Helper no help with water conservation, says state

Helper City is one of six in the state listed by the Salt Lake Tribune as not being in compliance with Utah's water conservation plan policy.

"We should have had it done, I feel bad that we didn't get it done," Mayor Dean Armstrong said. "The data is compiled and ready to go, I want to give my personal apology for not getting it done."

The state is offering its assistance in conducting a rate study to benchmark Helper against other cities in Utah. "Helper is very secure in our water supply, we have a lot of opportunities for conservation because of our supply," Armstrong added. "We are a small community with good water supply."

The council approved measures concerning curbs and gutters. The designation of an enterprise zone which Armstrong mentioned helps the city receive grants and other services for the city was also approved. Yearly recycling zone renewal passed with unanimous approval.

The city needs to have special event ordinances in place according to Armstrong. These designations would put in place rules and regulations for the city to follow during special events.

With the upcoming Civil War camp slated to be held in Helper, discussion between the council focused on services that will be needed by these events such as camping, parking, sanitation, and public safety concerns.

The council was in agreement with the needs for a centralized plan that would cover a broad range of events and include many possible scenarios. City Attorney Gene Strate proposed that he be allowed to work on these ordinances and this issue was rolled over to the next council meeting.

Appointment of Leslie Tallerico to the museum board was discussed and approved by unanimous consent.

The wording of the new curb and gutter ordinances needs to be changed but the motion was approved. Renewal of the recycling and enterprise zones passed with no discussion by the board.

Fill dirt for the little league fields has been acquired at a cost of $500 for 40 tons.

The soil will be the same used in Salt Lake at the base ball field there. Delivery is expected April 1.

The council discussed ways to improve Helper's image from the highway. Councilmember Brandon Wise noted that the city owns billboards and is therefore able to put anything on them.